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Shirley Legion steps back from Memorial Day activities

By M.E. Jones , Correspondent

Posted:
04/14/2014 09:42:38 PM EDT

SHIRLEY -- In a letter dated April 2 and received April 10, American Legion Post No. 183 Cmdr. Lewis Criess told selectmen the Legion would not host a Memorial Day parade and reception this year and indicated it's the town's turn to take over the annual observation.

In a tradition that dates back many years, George J. Morin Post No. 183, has planned and held a roster of Memorial Day events to honor the nation's departed military heroes that began in the morning with solemn wreath-laying ceremonies and the playing of taps at town cemeteries, followed by a parade and ceremonies at Whiteley Park, with speakers.

After, a collation was usually held at the Legion Hall in the War Memorial Building on Church Street, hosted by the Legion and the Legion auxiliary.

With just six weeks until Memorial Day, it's pretty short notice for the selectmen to take up the cause. Thus, the ceremonies will be limited this year.

In the letter, Criess said, "The American Legion Post 183 will conduct brief memorial ceremonies at the cemeteries and the bridge to honor our departed comrades, but that is the extent of our engagement this year."

The reason for the change, he said, was that the Legion "does not have sufficient active membership to support a parade or luncheon" as in past years.

"We hope the town will plan and conduct these activities, remembering the importance of and the solemn occasion of the day to honor those who gave their lives during combat operations in defense of our country," Criess continued in the letter.

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He added that if the town wants to use the town-owned War Memorial Building for a Memorial Day luncheon, the Legion should be notified so it can be reserved, reminding the board that "those who reserve the facilities" are responsible for pre-event set up and after-event cleanup, as is the case for "all War Memorial rentals."

Criess signed the letter "on behalf of the Executive Committee and Post Membership."

After reading the letter aloud Monday night, Dumont said she was "stunned" at its contents. After receiving it, she asked Town Administrator Patrice Garvin to contact the commander to let him know the matter would be discussed at the April 14 meeting so that someone representing the legion could attend.

His e-mail response basically said the matter was resolved as far as the legion was concerned. "The Legion membership has made their position perfectly clear," Criess wrote. "It now is up to the Town of Shirley to decide if they want to conduct the other activities associated with Memorial Day observances."

Criess said neither he nor "any member of the American Legion Post" would attend the selectmen's meeting "to address this subject" and further stated that as the post commander, he is "the only person authorized to speak for the Post on this matter."

Dumont said she was taken aback by the "negative tone" of Criess's letter and the e-mail response to the board's outreach.

Having worked with three past commanders as a selectman, Dumont said none "ever sent such a negative letter."

The board would have been "more than happy to help out" as they have in the past, she said, if someone had asked.

"Sounds more like a dictatorship to me," she said.

"I'm stunned too," Selectman David Swain said, noting the timing of the letter and the fact that the Legion has always planned and conducted Memorial Day observances in the past. "If this was an issue, they should have let us know months ago," Swain said.

"This community is very supportive of our veterans," Dumont said. She recommended forming a parade and celebration committee "so we don't end up like this" again next year.

Selectman Robert Prescott agreed. Besides ensuring that wreaths are properly placed at the cemeteries, a committee consisting of residents, veterans and Legion members could plan next year's activities, he said.

Anyone interesting in signing up for the Parade and Celebration Committee can contact the town administrator, selectmen said.